It's time for Iowa! Can you believe it? It is my first election season, and I cannot explain how excited I am to vote in the primaries and then in the general election. I see people sporting various t-shirts, buttons, and stickers and I can tell they are just as enthusiastic as I am. There are just so many choices ranging from the three Democrats to the twelve for the Republicans and the various other candidates that are in-between. Different supporters of candidates have been out and about on college campuses encouraging us not only to vote for their candidate, but to also register to vote.
In Arizona, to vote in the presidential primaries, you have to be registered to a party. You are not able to be an independent and vote in the primaries, unfortunately. So there has been a point made by campaigners to belong to a specific party. It really makes it difficult for the independent voters who either choose not to vote in the primaries to choose a political party.
Are you 17 and think that it sucks you can't vote in the primaries? Well in 20 states and Washington D.C. if you are 18 by the general election you are allowed to vote in the primary. Actually, in most states you are allowed to register at 17 if you will be 18 on or before the day of the next election. In some states preregistration or registration to vote is available at 16 years old. So check it out if you're allowed to vote!
The Millennials are truly the internet generation, we grew up with it and It's interesting and absolutely ridiculous to see how rude people can get. Not only in person to a particular candidate/ candidate supporter, but I have read much worse on the internet. People are absolutely ruthless to each other. It is amazing to see that people do not treat each other with respect on the internet. They just banter back and forth and it usually ends with someone calling the other stupid or uneducated among other choice words. Even though it's the internet and easy to hide behind the screen, it sure is nice to see people have a real civil discussion in a comments section.
So ladies and gentleman for the primaries, I urge you to research. Learn the standpoints of at least one candidate from the opposite side of the political spectrum. This will allow you to become more diverse and possibly be able to argue your side even more. Have fun watching the caucus and seeing what else is in store for the American politicians because our election process is pretty cool.